Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday! Having a great time in and around New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia -- wish you were here! (Waves madly to Rich, Stacey, Michele, Marnie, Katie, & Gerrie, who all know why.) No, really, I do. But before I tell you what my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, ergo, the latest reason why I wish you were all here, let's get to what else is going on.

First off, we have some great new reviews. Head over to The Book Pushers and check out their joint review of "Alien in the Family". Then hit For the Love of Books and check out a new review of "Touched by an Alien".

Now, for the smackdowns. There are two going on, and I need your votes for both! Head over to Bitten By Books and vote to defend "Alien Tango" against the competition. Then hit I Smell Sheep and vote for me in their Boogity Boo Awards, which will ultimately give a sheep to a needy family. (Trust me, I am really eating others' dust in this one, and need the votes.)

Amber Scott questions a current hit song...and its inspiration. Was it a certain series featuring some really amazing aliens? Inquiring minds want to know... In fact, The Book Addict seems sure. Check out what she has to say on this rockin' topic!

Check out some cool new releases over at Absorbed in a Book. Then check out the preliminary cover sketch for "Alien Proliferation".

Wait. That's right. You can't. Unless you happen to be coming to my book signing on Saturday, April 16th. I'll have it with me and the ONLY way you'll ever see it is if I'm physically showing it to you. (We don't share Dan's prelims anywhere.) (Unless I happen to be at DAW Books and wheedle a copy out of them.) (Which I was and did.)

So, want to get that sneak peek along with the chance to hang out with moi and other cool members of the Alien Collective? Then head to Grand Central Station on Saturday!

Book Signing/Meet & Greet
Posman Books
Grand Central Terminal
9 Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212.983.1111
Fax: 212.983.1849
Saturday, April 16, from 4:30-6:00pm

Happy blog hopping, enjoy the reading, vote in the contests, get your copies of "Alien in the Family" if you haven't already, pre-order "Alien Proliferation", rock out, and just generally get down with your own bad selves. You know, like always!

Love,
Gini

Family Fun

Happy Monday!

I know, I know, I said we'd be on radio silence, and we mostly are, but, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, there's some cool stuff out there, and I couldn't wait to share.

Head over to That Bookish Girl and check out her review of "Alien in the Family". Then hit The Book Addict for her take on "Alien in the Family". THEN head over to Seeing Night for yet one more "Alien in the Family" review.

Next, hit Ex Libris to see what she's reading. Last, but not least, "Alien in the Family" cover art is being featured at Comic Art Fans.

Reminder for those in the Greater New York City Area: Book signing and general get-together-ness happening on Saturday, April 16th.
Posman Books 4:30-6:00pm
Grand Central Terminal
9 Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212.983.1111
Fax: 212.983.1849

Be there or be a blocky object and subject to mass derision and crushing disappointment.

More info on the event will be coming. If you're in the area, planning to attend, and haven't shared this intent with me yet, please drop me an email or send a tweet so I can be sure to keep you in the Before and After the Signing Loop!

More later, if at all possible. If not, well, there's always that copy of "Alien in the Family" to be gotten and read, right? Of course right!

Love,
Gini

Monday Roundup

Happy Monday! We have much in store for you today, but first, a PSA that's somewhat near and dear to my heart. In more ways than one.

I had my annual mammogram today. I know, I know, TMI and ugh, right? Well...maybe. But I love each and every one of you, and breast health is vital for women, meaning all of you who are women and all of you who love the women in your lives need to make sure that you and they get this exam on a regular basis. And by regular I don't mean once a decade. Is it painless? Well, I can tell you for certain that breast cancer is more painful. Is it kind of icky? Can be, but again, early detection saves much icky in the future. So, do your check ups and take care of your bad selves, because the Alien Collective would be greatly lessened by the loss of any of you, and we can't be havin' with that!

Now, PSA over and we're on to the far more fun stuff! First up, and as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a new review of "Touched by an Alien" from Love 2 Read for Fun. Check that out, then head over to The Book Addict where we have another early review of "Alien Tango"!

Next up, if you're on Goodreads, the nominations are open for Book of the Month for December and if you wanted to vote for "Touched by an Alien", which is one of the nominees, well, I wouldn't tell you not to. ;-D

After voting, head to Ordinary Day and see what she bought with her paycheck. Then hit The Qwillery to see all the December releases, including "Alien Tango" in a nice little listing.

In Person Event Reminders:
December 8, 2010 -- Writer's Workshop Wednesdays at Borders Waterfront, Scottsdale, AZ, 7PM-8:30PM; I'll be presenting "Walking the Line in SFR" as well as signing "Alien Tango", "Touched by an Alien" and, as Anita Ensal, "Love and Rockets".
December 11, 2010 -- spotlight author at the Mysterious Galaxy Holiday Party, San Diego, CA, 6PM - 8PM. Come get your copies of "Alien Tango" and "Love and Rockets", get them signed, and hang out with yours truly at the coolest bookstore around.
March 12 & 13, 2011 -- Tucson Festival of Books, Tucson, AZ; Panel & Book Signing on Sunday, March 13, 1PM-2:30PM
April 2011 -- it's confirmed, I'll be in NY/NJ/PA from April 9th through the 21st. If you're in the area, let me know and we'll figure out how to meet up. Yes, a book signing will be happening, just not sure when or what date(s) yet.

New Swag: We have 2011 calendars available now, up at the Alien Collective Depot. Check 'em out, they're pretty cool, in my totally unbiased opinion!

That's it for today, but I promise there's more coming (like a Combo Con Contest...say THAT 5 times fast -- but only if you're on Hook Me Up! 'cause it's a Hook Me Up! exclusive) so hit the links, leave the Alien Collective love, and count down the days 'til "Alien Tango" hits the shelves and eReaders all over -- what's that, in 14 days? Wow. Two weeks. That's nothing. The time'll fly by. I promise. And if not, well, hey, there is that contest coming to keep you occupied...

Love,
Gini

Whole Lotta Lovin' Goin' On

Happy Friday, everyone! Well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, we have a lot going on today, and not JUST the "Alien Tango" ARC Giveaway contest. There'll be more info on that as we go along, but first, let's get all the other fun stuff out of the way.

There is lots and lots of love going 'round the blogosphere for the awesomeness that is the "Alien in the Family" cover. Check out what Alien Collective Members in Very Good Standing The Book Addict, Bibliognome, and Pearls Cast Before a McPig have to say about the new cover.

Then check out Larissa's Bookish Life's Countdown Page where she has a countdown going for both "Alien Tango" AND "Alien in the Family". (They're also proudly displayed on her main page, if you scroll down a bit.)

Remember, if you want the images to display, for any of the covers, just drop me a line and we'll get them right out to you.

Now, on to the Giveaway. You're on Hook Me Up!, right? Then you'll be knowing what to do. What's that? You still AREN'T on Hook Me Up!, the free subscription that let's you hear it first and get in on all the cool stuff? Well, you'll want to rectify that pronto. Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line. And do it fast -- the contest is starting in 3..2..1...

Gini

Better Late Than Tomorrow

Well, as you can tell, this is posting REALLY late. (Hey, I was busy. And not actually by any computer for most of the day.) For some of you, it'll be so late that it's EARLY. (That's my spin and I'm sticking with it, thankyouverymuch.)

First off, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, winners of the latest Hook Me Up! exclusive contest, Deck the Walls, are announced on the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog, just below this post. Scroll down and either squeal with joy or offer your begrudging congratulations.

Next up, we have a lot of "Touched by an Alien" activity going on. First off, Bibliognome has a great review up. In addition, our Alien Collective Member in Very Good Standing has created a really cool Chapter First Lines Sneak Peek. So head over, check it all out, leave some love, you know the drill.

Next up, The Book Addict is guest posting at The Book Vixen -- say that three time fast -- and has her Top 10 Didn't Know I'd Love It Books listed. Check out to see where "Touched by an Alien" falls (today, anyway ;-D). Then head over to Melting Before Your Eyes and learn a fact about me I'd wager most of you didn't know.

Now for something a little different -- a preview of sorts. Head over to Dark Faerie Tales and check out their upcoming event, Spooky Legends. Why? Well, in addition to it being all kinds of fun, I'm on the docket...and you'll get to hear from Kitty and Company about their (and my) favorite urban myth. Coming in October, but check out the line up now!

Finally, a reminder that my interview is still up and going strong at Larissa's Bookish Life. The chance to win a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien" ends September 20th.

So, it's better to get late than to receive never, right? Right? (Of course right!)

Love,
Gini

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Happy Monday! Hope those who were celebrating had a fun and frolicsome Independence Day celebration. Team Gini's still technically on 4th of July holiday (we work hard and play hard here), but there's a lot going on, and I didn't want to wait another moment to share it all with you.

With that build up, I know you're expecting the Earth to move, but, um, well, as my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, really, it's just a lot of good stuff today and there's more coming and...

First up, there are more nice reviews of "Touched by an Alien" to check out. Head over to the Onward blog, then hit Dirty Sexy Books blog. After that, jump to The Book Addict to see where "Touched by an Alien" is on her June reading list. Also, for those of you who entered her many cool contests, winners will be announced soon!

In somewhat related news, as you all know, our own Amber Scott started Project Pay It Forward with "Touched by an Alien". That's going on and going well, but Amber wants to get a new book going, and she's asking for suggestions. Head over to The Amber Scott Project and give her some ideas of which debut author's book you think she should start a PPIF for. I've logged my suggestion, go log yours!

By now you all know I'm going to Comic-Con...wait for it...as a professional! (You knew it was coming.) Anyway, I'm going, and it's been sold out since November. BUT, there are returned memberships available, so if any of you are still hoping to go, check out the Comic-Con website and see if you can score tix. (BTW, don't buy from scalpers -- buy only through Comic-Con or you'll be likely to waste your hard-earned money.) My panel is on Friday -- check the Datebook page for details -- if you can only go one day.

My Twitter Followers contest is still going; just need a few more followers in order to reach 200 and then send out a signed copy of "Touched by an Alien". Our own Dark Wyrm Reads gently reminded me last week that I hadn't shared how to find me on Twitter with those who might not be following me already, so, I'm @GiniKoch and I believe you can just go to Twitter, sign up if you're not on it, and search for me. Or, click on the link right here on the Blog Roll (to the left of the blog, under the nav bar).

I'd ramble on some more, but edits never sleep. So, I'm back to editing "Alien in the Family" and you all go back to hitting websites and being your own bad selves, and we'll do it all again later this week!

Love,
Gini

Tango Tuesday

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know and you've undoubtedly guessed from the title of the blog post, we're focusing on "Alien Tango" today.

The Galaxy Express is featuring the most awesome cover, so head over and share your Alien Collective love about all that is the wicked cool Daniel Dos Santos artwork!

Heather Massey from TGE also has an article up at Tor.com for those of you who are interested in the science fiction versus romance versus Science Fiction Romance debate. It's a good message, and the comments so far are very interesting. (Would particularly love the male Alien Collective members to chime in on this one.)

Our own ALPHA Reader has a great "Where are they now" column that's featuring "Alien Tango" as well as some other great, upcoming releases. Head over, check it out, share what books you can't wait for!

The new "Alien Tango" freebies are in and available! Check out the Free Stuff page for details and get your requests in! (BTW, they look AWESOME, possibly more awesome than the TBAA ones, which is saying a LOT.)

Lest "Touched by an Alien" feel left out, it's still popping up all over the web. Here are some mentions to check out: Fun interview with our own Lynn Crain at Midnight Seductions; author Audra Wyatt has a good explanatory piece up about the workshop series I'm a part of; cute post up at the Random Book Girl site about her initial impressions of "Touched by an Alien" based on cover and title.

Remember that the giveaway for Amber Scott's "Play Fling" is still going on. Hit yesterday's Blah, Blah, Blah Blog post, leave a comment or a question, and you're entered to win! Also, for those of you participating in the Project Pay It Forward, don't miss the latest updates.

Speaking of winning, it's not too late to win over at The Book Addict -- not only is there a "Touched by an Alien" giveaway, but there are lots of other great giveaway chances, too! Don't miss out, head over there today!

I'd share more, but I have to get certain descriptions of certain key things from "Alien in the Family" over to awesome artist Daniel Dos Santos, so must dash. (Yeah, I DO like to tease all of you...what's your point?)

Love,
Gini

The Weekend's in Sight!

We're on the downward slide of the week! Whoo hoo!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, after the whirlwind that was the beginning of the week, we're back to calm and relaxed in Gini Land. Well, sort of. Team Gini might argue, 'cause they've been busy little worker bees.

Check out the updated Accolades page for the latest and link to any reviews of "Touched by an Alien" you might have missed. Have a review I haven't linked to somehow? Let me know and we'll rectify that pronto!

The Datebook also has yet more new events on it. My BookTour.com page is all up to date. And if you missed the fun interview with Erin Quinn we did here at the Blah, Blah, Blah Blog from a few weeks ago, it's now live on Spotlight.

Speaking of interviews, if you haven't checked out my latest, head over to The Book Addict and do it right now. She's giving away cool prizes all week long but you have to comment to win!

Also speaking of interviews, don't forget that we have Alien Collective member Amber Scott here on Monday to discuss her latest release, "Play Fling", as well as a giveaway! Amber's also got some cool news about an upcoming 1st Turning Point interview, with someone I consider a mentor, so check out The Amber Scott Project and mark your calendars! Authors aspiring to publication in particular should check this out.

I'm heading out to see Dream Theater and Iron Maiden. Hope you all have something equally fun and awesome planned for your weekends!

Love,
Gini

If You Thought Monday Was Busy...

...just get a load of today!

As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, it's a busy, busy week here in Gini Land, so let's roll right into all the goings on!

First up, I have my first ever feature article up at the SFR Brigade. Head over and check out my thoughts (I do have them, I swear!) on Walking the Line in SFR, and feel free to chime in with your views on the subject!

If you're intrigued by the topic, in addition to perusing the SFR Brigade blog, check out The Galaxy Express, where Science Fiction Romance is always on the agenda, and one of the latest Mind Meld discussions at SF Signal: What Does Romance Bring to to Science Fiction Genre?

Next up, we have more action from the Alien Collective. The Book Addict is having quite the to-do this week, as it's her blogiversary! And guess who's on the docket for today? Right you are -- moi! So, head over, check out my latest interview, and see what all she's giving away, too! The winning goes on all week over there, so don't be shy about checking in often and early!

Do we have another review of "Touched by an Alien" today? Why, yes we do! One of our Alien Collective blogs, Absorbed in a Book has a great review up. And, why stop there? There's another review up at The Blog With Bite. And, look there! Another one, this one at Lilium's Realm. Hit 'em all, show 'em some Alien Collective love, you know the drill!

What, there's still more? Yes, there is. There's a new Playlist up (yes, yes, finally, I know), and there are several new events listed in the Datebook. Note to those in and around the Greater Phoenix Metro Area (We OWN the winter! Don't ask us about summer...) -- I have several book signings and workshops happening this summer, most of which are up right now. Plan accordingly.

There's more coming, but truly, between yesterday and today, you should all be busy enough! At least until later this week, right? Of course right...


Love,
Gini

Keepin' it Collective

Whassup, Dawgs?

I know. I sound so "street" when I say that. ;-D

Hope everyone has something great on their agenda this weekend. But try to fit in what we've got for you here, too! As my Hook Me Up! subscribers already know, every site we're hitting today is owned and operated by a member of the Alien Collective.

First up, there's a new review of "Touched by an Alien" up by our newest member of the Alien Collective. Check out what The Book Addict didn't want to read, and why she's glad she did, and show some Collective love while you're there! You'll want to mark her site, too...I hear there's a blogiversary coming that's going to be quite the party!

Speaking of reviews, See Michelle Read has one, too! Check it out, leave some Collective love, you know the drill!

Keeping it all in the Collective, check out the latest on Project Pay It Forward over at The Amber Scott Project. You know the drill -- read, leave Collective love, leap to the next!

Didn't sign up for Hook Me Up! in time to enter into the LAST week of the Hook Me Up! Exclusive contest? Bummer. But head over to The Life & Travels of Sullivan McPig and check out the Swag in Action anyway! (Sully goes to a lot more exciting places than I do, I must say.) Then get on it and join Hook Me Up! so you never miss out on anything else ever again! Send an email to gini@ginikoch.com with "Hook Me Up!" in the subject line and breathe easy -- you won't miss a thing.

BTW, to cover what seems to be a certain rather sweet and touching misconception many of you seem to have -- the swag is there for YOU. Yes, I WANT to send out whatever your fuzzy li'l gansta hearts desire from the Free Stuff page. I didn't make it for me, I made it for all of you, my beloved Alien Collective. No need to feel greedy, demanding, or spoiled. (Well, okay, spoiled is fine.) You want? You ask. You get. (I'd say that in Latin but my classical education only went so far...to the frats, actually, but hey, it was farther than my dorm room...)

Anyway, spread the Alien love, have a wonderful weekend, and keep it Collective!

Love,
Gini